Loved this book the character may not have been likable but she was interesting and her story was motivational and at points heartbreaking TJR knows how to make you cry.

I have zero interest in tennis but I LOVED THIS BOOK! Carrie Soto - who honestly, I barely remembered from Malibu Rising - is an aging tennis star who wants one last shot at greatness. TJR did it again with this book, and it will definitely be one of the hot summer reads. Five stars!

Special thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital ARC of Carrie Soto is Back.

Now, let's be honest if TJR re-rewrote the phone book I'd read it in one sitting...she's my go to author and when she announced Carrie Soto...well I knew it was a must read. This book did NOT disappoint!

But let's first start with this...you don't have to like or know anything about tennis to enjoy this book - but it makes the story so much more interesting when you think of the grit it takes to be a competitive all-star top notch sports player in any arena.

Now ....throw a MC like Carrie into a highly competitive, focus, strong female character - abrasive, rude, and self-centered but as we slowly get to know her...we start also breaking down her layers, As she comes out of retirement to reclaim her title we see her start to morph into an even more likely human being - she is real, she is taught and she truly pulls you in.

Oh and of course the references from Malibu Rising and Daisy Jones just was the icing on the cake the every TJR book has!. Once again a five star read!

Carrie Soto comes out of retirement at the age of 37 to defend a title that has been hers for years - 20 Grand Slam wins.
The characters are phenomenal. Carrie is not a pleasant character, but I was rooting for her the whole book, she is someone I loved to hate.
A huge thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the approval. I was thrilled to have this on my NetGalley shelf.

I know very little about tennis and don't care much about the game but in true Taylor Jenkins Reid fashion, I was completely captivated by book. This is the story of Carrie Soto (you met her briefly in Malibu Rising) and her epic comeback at the ripe old age of 37 to try to win back her Grand Slam record. There is a lot of tennis match recap butI was able to easily follow the back and forth and stay very engaged.

Spoiler alert: Mick Riva of course makes a mini appearance!

what else can I say other than WOW 🥹

wow wow wow I did not expect to love this one as much as I did 🤭 carrie is perhaps TJR’s most unlikable character yet, and in all shannon fashion, I of course fell in love with her

carrie is determined, focused, and doesn’t give a flying f- what everyone thinks of her (spoiler: it’s not high). she’s the highest ranked and title holder for tennis and refuses to let anyone take that title from her 🎾

while this book is 80% about tennis, I absolutely loved the rest of the 20% too. carrie is such a complicated character, and her relationships with others was so diverse - it really opened up into carrie’s true personality.

I had such a soft spot in my heart for javier, carrie’s father, for so many reasons - I knew their relationship was going to break my heart and put it back together again and literally make me sob 🥹❤️

TJR can do no wrong in my book - this one was such a fun and entertaining surprise for me … AND I learned so much about tennis!!!

now I’m going to go pick up a racket and pretend I’m playing at wimbledon thank YOU 🤭

a gigantic thank you to netgalley and random house publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! august cannot come soon enough!

rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: australian shiraz blend

I barely have the words to tell you how much I loved CARRIE SOTO IS BACK.

This is plotting as it’s finest! I was glued to the page, my heart racing each time Carrie picked up her racket.

There’s a lot of tennis in this book, yes, but there’s even more heart. I loved Carrie so much. I probably loved her the way her father did: watching her from the sidelines, praying that things would go her way, not sure how to bear it if they didn’t. I was DESPERATE for her to win, to make her big comeback. She’s a complicated character, but so easy to love.

Fierce and fiery, this in an incredibly powerful novel about female ambition, about resilience and determination, about refusing to accept less than you deserve. I think this book is going to be an emotional gut punch for any woman who has ever felt competitive or dreamed of the being the best at something. It certainly was for me.

The father-daughter story, too, struck a deep emotional cord. There’s so much love in this story. I had an emotional hangover after reading this book, unable to do anything but sit the big feelings it stirred. I’m tearing up just writing this note.

Daisy Jones was so special because it was TJR’s breakout and an inventive format. Malibu was the ultimate summer read. Evelyn was an incredible surprise. But I think this TJR’s best yet. CARRIE SOTO proves her to be a master of character, plot, and prose.

Another great book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This was not my favorite of her books, but I think that was only because it is so heavily based on tennis. The story follows Carrie Soto who was once the top tennis player in the world. She was coached by her dad and was strongly driven to be the best. Carrie retired from tennis when she hurt her knee, but years later when her record is in jeopardy she decides to come out of retirement to defend her record. The story then follows Carrie's training and attempt to win again.

I wanted so much to like this book because I’m a huge fan of the author. For me, most of this book dragged, and I didn’t feel Carrie was an interesting enough character to dedicate a whole books to. I found her dad and Bowe to be far more interesting. I did enjoy the ending though. I think if you’re a tennis fan, this would be a much more interesting read.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! After Malibu Rising I was curious about Carrie Soto the tennis player and this book delivers!! Somewhere along the way TJR has become a brilliant writer. I've loved every book she's written since Evelyn Hugo. I love that she's written several books in the same universe and we get to see new aspects of minor characters lives as main characters in another book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC.

"We live in a world where exceptional women have to sit around waiting for mediocre men."

Carrie Soto is a fierce tennis player - nicknamed "The Battle-ax". She is there to win and set records, not to make friends. After winning a record number of times, making changes to how women's tennis is played, and an injury, she decides to retire. A few years later Carrie's records are being challenged by another female tennis player, and ensues the battle she fights to get back out there and defend her titles.

I just love Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing. I'm not a tennis fan whatsoever, but this book had me caring more about tennis than ever before - and cheering on these fictional characters. This title lacks the sex/drugs/rock n' roll of her last three novels, which makes it a little less exciting for me (hence 4 stars instead of 5). There is a little bit of character crossover from her more popular titles, but it felt a little forced. If I wasn't such a big fan of her previous titles, I probably wouldn't pick it up.

Carrie Soto is Back is an all time great sports story. Taylor Jenkins Reid makes you root for the redemption of the former greatest female tennis player in history despite her egocentric personality and a seeming inability to do the right thing in any possible situation off the court. By diving deep into the psychology of this character the reader understands exactly why Carrie behaves the way she does and how she can still have a passion for the game despite being years past her prime. Not only are the characters fully realized but so much attention has been paid to understanding the small details of the game of tennis that readers can feel tension building in between points leading to absolutely thrilling match sequences. Coming at a moment when athletes are starting to prioritize their mental health instead of winning championships this book gives an insight into just how taxing being the "greatest of all time" really is.

Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again… while reading Malibu Rising I loved Carrie Sotto, I wanted to know more about her. Now with this follow up I was even more excited to get this preview. I don’t know if it’s just me but I love how she cross characters in her books and am always paying attention to find the links or hints. This book drew me in from the beginning and didn’t let go. I read it in 2 days then was so sad I finished it. Taylor is a fabulous storyteller and I tend to forget they are characters and not a memoir because they feel so real to me.

✨Advance Copy Book Review ✨Carrie Soto is Back - Taylor Jenkins Reid ✨5/5 ⭐️✨
Publication Date: 8/30/2022
Genre: Adult Fiction
Synopsis: Swipe
Read If You Like:
- Sports based Adult Fiction with Closed Door Romance

Synopsis: Carrie Soto is the World’s greatest (retired) tennis player…until Nikki Chan swoops in and beats her record. Retired, Carrie knows this is the moment she’s been dreading, and can’t believe it’s happening. What to do but come out of retirement? But can she win back her record, and handle the pressures, especially when she’s the ‘old’ age of 37, and, let’s be honest, none of the other players really like her?

Thoughts
- Firstly, I am *not* a tennis player, and I enjoyed this novel immensely. It’s fast paced, you’re drawn into the tennis world quickly, and the technicalities of the game are explained pretty simply. That being said, if you don’t like sports novels, maybe just know that that’s what this is first and foremost, a novel about a really great tennis player (who is a gem of a character, by the way), and her comeback.
- Carrie Soto is everything. Her comeback is not only on the tennis court, but also as a person, and her character ARC is written so well in this by Reid. You hate her but love her, then hate her again, and are rooting for her the next moment.
- The side characters in this novel are done supremely well. There aren’t many, which actually looking back on it now, in any other novel I would’ve found a little strange, but here it works because this is Carrie’s world, we’re just living in it, and she only has a few close people to her.
- The ending was a gem. It’s so easy to picture this novel as a movie, and that’s what this should be, a sports movie or show (anyone ready for Daisy Jones & The Six???).
- Closed door romance and emotional parts
- ***Spoilerish!!!???*** Speaking of novel references, we get several here to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s other novels, which fans of her novels will absolutely cherish. ***End Spoiler***

At the end of the day, this was a great read, Carrie’s character was my favorite part of this novel, and you should read it. Also, peep the audiobook, there are some really great narrators on it. Thank you to @penguinrandomhouse and @netgalley for the advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Carrie Soto is a retired professional tennis player. She’s 37 and she’s been out for 6 or 7 years. She was injured, had to take some time off, and decided to retire. A few years later there’s a younger player that is about to surpass one of Carrie’s records. She decides to come out of retirement to stop it. This is the story of what it takes to be not just a professional athlete but the best of the best—the personal sacrifices, the unrelenting training, the mental games, and the desire to keep pushing. It’s all so very intense.

We first met Carrie as a villain in Malibu Rising. However, when she actually showed up at the Riva’s house party she was amazing. She was an absolute highlight of that book. I was excited to get to know her. She’s tough and honest and totally herself. Also, the relationship between Carrie and her dad Javier was lovely. It was refreshing to read about such a strong bond.

This (along with all Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books) would be a fantastic book club selection. Lots of layers to dissect and it’s an easy, engaging read. Thanks to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for an advanced copy of this book. It will be released on 8/30/22.

I have loved every book Taylor Jenkins Reid has written and last year when I found out her newest would be about a tennis player, it jumped to the top of my most anticipated books list! When I got the Netgalley notification that I was approved for this, I literally squealed! I loved everything about this book - the writing of the tennis matches was so fantastic, I felt like I was court side. I had trouble sleeping each night I read this and now that I’m writing this review, I think it was because of the book - I mean that in the best way, I was so wired that the competitor (competition is my top strength according to Clifton SrengthsFinder) in me couldn’t calm down. I don’t want to say too much of the plot but just know it hit every emotion and is my favorite book I’ve read this year and will hard to top. Thank you @ballantinebooks and @penguinbooks for the e-ARC!

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a bombshell!
And it is going to blow the book world up! And I can't wait for it!

Incredible. Intoxicating. Unforgettable. Truly one of the most remarkable stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The characters are phenomenal
Our protagonist is someone who is so interesting that you just want to root for in every way possible. She is flawed, determined and so strong... In ways I believe we all can relate to at some point.

The pacing was amazing, the plot, the characters, the writing.
TJR's writing style is something wonderful! Beautiful prose throughout this whole book.
I love the way she grabs you from the first moment until the very end.

This book is full of so many different feelings that it will leave you wanting for more. 

A beautiful, emotional, and heart jerking story....
But you'll love everything about Carrie Soto Is Back!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Random House,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

So grateful for the opportunity to read this one early! I couldn't imagine liking a Taylor Jenkins Reid book as much as Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones, but I loved Carrie's story as much, if not more. It was such a perfect depiction of an amazing female athlete who is unapologetic (in the best way), and it makes me want to watch all the tennis and learn the stories of all the players. The relationships with her father and Bowe were lovely, and seeing her grow and mature through those, in addition to through her sport, made this a can't-put-down-until-I'm-done book for me.

So first of all I hate tennis. I don’t understand it, I don’t enjoy it. However, I DEVOURED this book. There is just something so strategic and addicting to how TJR writes.

I loved the hints of crossovers to Daisy Jones, Malibu and her other books. It just made it so fun. Reminds me of the little hints Pixar gives in their movies to other movies of theirs (don’t judge, I have a toddler).

I don’t want to give spoilers and you can read the synopsis but, here to tell you this is an addicting read. It is perfect to devour in 24 hours and you will feel all of the emotions for Carrie Soto throughout her journey.

Also, guess I’ll start watching some tennis now.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine for my free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another captivating book by TJR! I don't know how she managed to keep me so interested in tennis for the entire book, but she did.
Carrie Soto (whose name you might recognize from Malibu Rising) is one of the best tennis players in the world, but she wants to be number one. She wants it so badly that she comes out of retirement years later in order to play one more round of tournaments.
This book is very sports-centered. The focus is definitely her training, coaches, and tournaments. It's also about her relationship with her dad, who coached her when she was young and is an inspiration to her.
I liked Carrie as a character a lot. She has a strong personality and a tough exterior. However, I didn't feel as strongly connected to her as some of the other protagonists in the Mick Riva-verse. I would say for my personal taste, this book was better than Malibu Rising, but not on the level of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones. Still, I read it in a day without stopping to breathe and I spent the last portion of the book crying, so I would call this a success. A solid 4.5 stars from me!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!